Getting positive, was New Zealand's goal in their bid to turn around the loss of winning form in the build-up to tomorrow's fourth National Bank Series One-Day International with Sri Lanka in Hamilton.

Unfortunately, with rain setting in just after the net practice the players were forced inside, but coach David Trist was happy that players had done what was set for them.

In the aftermath of Sunday's humiliating series loss to Sri Lanka the side has been besieged with criticism but there was no hint of a siege mentality in the preparations for the game.

Trist was determined to see the side taking the field tomorrow in a positive frame of mind and despite the harrowing events of the first three games, he was a model of positivism in his pre-match press conference.

Trist said the usual team debrief had provided: "a reiteration of the necessary feelings which are a key indicator of performance and that is, to be positive and the mental processes that each player has to revisit to ensure they are in the right state and are looking forward to the games.

"They have reviewed any skill areas that need further thought and that's why we are down here today to get an opportunity to practice any skill enhancement areas that need honing up," he said.

"We've stressed those and we are trying to get down to the wire and ready to win.

"At any time players need to review where they are at in their own game. And it's more a necessary review to see if an area of weakeness is able to be addressed appropriately in the time frame that is given," he said.

It wasn't possible to ask the players to review their entire game plan, he said, because the key was to have players going out to play in a positive state of mind while being aware that if there were, "a couple of little deficiencies creeping into their game that they are aware of them and are able to address them.

"All players at most times are needing to review where they are at.

"I don't believe there is anything to worry about going into this next game. What we do need to be in, is in good mental shape, positive and looking forward to scoring runs which they can do and will do.

"Yes we're three down but there's two to play and there's a lot to play for.

"Negative thoughts create negative results.

"You have to realise your mental state going into every game has to be as good as it can be which means you have got to revisit your mental game as well as, obviously, other areas of your game to make sure you are continually and consistently at your best.

"One of the key issues we have got to do is clearly get a positive start.

"We're always at our best when we are playing aggressively and positively. We've lost too many wickets in the early stages, ie in the first 15, we can do a lot better than that, we know we can and we've got the batsmen to do it.

"And whatever the batting order is tomorrow it will reflect that one feels," he said.

Play is scheduled to start in the game at 12noon but mixed forecasts suggest rain could have an impact on the possible start time.

The game is being played on the remodelled ground which has had extensive alterations completed. However, the outfield has been left with a mottled look to it and could provide some problems for the teams in the field.

© CricInfo